In 1937, the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression broke out. Against this backdrop, people from all walks of life in China have different views on how to face a strong enemy and whether an all-out war of resistance should be waged. In the midst of such changes, Hu Shi, a famous scholar and cultural figure, faced tremendous pressure from public opinion and moral doubts, and his position and remarks became the focus of controversy of the times. He was once labeled a "traitor", but is it really that simple?
After the September 18 Incident in 1931, Japan's aggression was approaching step by step, and China fell into an unprecedented crisis. Hu Shih, a scholar who returned from studying in the United States, had originally preferred to use diplomatic efforts to avoid a full-blown conflict with Japan. He believes that China is not enough to compete with Japan militarily and economically, and advocates "temporary humiliation and peace" in order to gain time and accumulate strength.
The Battle of Songhu in 1937 completely changed Hu Shi's thinking. In the flames of war and the smoke of gunpowder, Hu Shi witnessed the indomitable and brave of the Chinese military and civilians. One night, in a tavern in Nanjing, he met several soldiers who had returned from the front. "We can fight, we are willing to fight!" A major who had returned from a bloody bath excitedly told him that the flame in his eyes made Hu Shi unforgettable for a long time.
Hu Shi's mentality began to change. He began to make speeches on various occasions, calling on the people of the country to unite and fight together in the national crisis. At a party, Zhou Fohai raised the possibility of peace talks, but Hu Shi firmly objected: "Peace talks will only make us lose more, and only the all-people war of resistance is the way out!" ”
As the war continued, Hu Shih's articles and speeches gradually spread throughout the country, inspiring the fighting spirit of countless people. In 1940, in a speech in Chongqing, Hu Shi said earnestly in front of a full audience: "Today's sacrifice is for tomorrow's freedom." We are fighting not only for the land, but also for our dignity and future. ”
The cruelty of the war and the suffering of the people made Hu Shi deeply reflect on his previous ideas. He wrote many touching articles, among which the article "Anti-Japanese War and Culture" is particularly eye-catching. In it, he wrote: "The power of culture comes from the hearts of the people. Without free soil, where can there be abundant fruits? ”
As the bell rang for the victory of the Anti-Japanese War in 1945, Hu Shi's eyes were full of tears. At the victory celebration banquet, Hu Shih was revered as one of the spiritual leaders of the country, many of his misunderstandings were clarified, and those doubts and criticisms were gradually subsided. He stood on the stage and said affectionately: "This victory belongs to every Chinese who persevered to the end. We have proven that we can coalesce into an indestructible force even in the toughest of times. ”
Hu Shi's experience reminds us that in the torrent of history, everyone's choices are full of complexity and multi-dimensional considerations. From a scholar of the Lord's Peace School to a staunch orator who fully supported the War of Resistance Against Japan, Hu Shih's transformation was not only a deepening of personal beliefs, but also the awakening of a wise man in a national crisis. Looking back today, Hu Shi's tortuous journey is not only a part of history, but also a mirror, reflecting the sense of historical responsibility and deep thinking about the future that contemporary people should have. As Hu Shi said: "The more the truth is debated, the clearer it becomes." "When we are faced with various challenges of history and reality, only by in-depth discussion and courage to practice can we reach the other side of the ideal.